“The symbolism of food plays a large part in all religions, but the abstaining from food – or fasting – was not a central issue in the teachings of Jesus, and he never commanded his disciples to fast – although as a feature of Judaism – he probably assumed they would.

“Lent is a good moment for a spiritual stocktaking, reminding us of the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert.

“Fasting is interwoven throughout the whole history of the church. Surprising that in an age where we have the most food and resources ever in history for the most people, only a few people fast regularly!